Liberal Politics and Jewish Idealism

How Jewish voting trends reflect the innate Jewish drive.

If we look at the last 100 years of Jewish political affiliation in the U.S., we see that, as with so many aspects of Jewish history, it remains an anomaly. Since the arrival of 2.5 million Eastern Jewish refugees from Czarist Russia between 1882 and 1914, an average of about 75% of the Jewish population has voted Democrat in national elections.

While approximately 23% of Americans classify themselves as liberal, the Jewish number is almost three times as high at around 73%. The question is why?

Much has been written on the topic. In the book, Jews in American Politics, Anna Greenberg & Kenneth Wald write:

Jewish Americans do not exhibit the same political tendencies as other demographically equivalent groups. For instance, we might expect Jewish Americans to become more conservative in their beliefs and voting preferences as succeeding generations attain higher levels of affluence and education. In fact, Jewish Americans are among the most highly educated, professional, and affluent members of the population…

But when we compare these Jewish American voters to non-Jews with the same socio-economic status, the Jews remain politically distinctive.

Simply put, as Jews mainstreamed into American society and their socio-economic status improved, the norm should have been for Jews to move to the right politically – toward a greater affiliation with the Republican party. Yet this has not been the case.

Much of the explanation for this continued strong affiliation with the Democratic Party has been linked to the historical experience of the European Jews in modern history. Jews fleeing from conservative/reactionary Tsarist Russia would naturally move in the opposite direction upon their arrival in America. In addition, the vast majority of these new immigrants arrived as poor laborers who worked for very little money in the sweat shops of New York under very difficult conditions. They would obviously choose to support the party generally regarded as more championing the rights of the working class – the Democratic Party.

Abraham’s Legacy

While these historical experiences certainly helped to shape Jewish voting patterns in the first half of the 20th century, they fail to explain the continued strong affinity Jews seem to hold for the political left. Something is missing here. The sociologist, Ernest van den Haag, hints at this when he wrote:

Utopian dreams, millennial prophecies, and messianic expectations are as much part of their [the Jews] cultural heritage as is the practical worldly attitude… With emancipation, Jews have tried to influence their actual environment, in this world. But they have not given up their dreams. Many have become reformers; many others have become radicals… Of all groups… Jews are most prone to expectations of radical change… Although very few Jews are radicals, very many radicals are Jews: out of one hundred Jews, five may be radicals, but out of ten radicals five are likely to be Jewish… What attracts them so disproportionately to radical causes? ("The Jewish Mystique," 1969)

Interestingly, Judaism provides a deeper explanation. A look into the Bible helps us understand what truly drives this phenomenon. We begin at the beginning – with Abraham, the first Jew, whose uniqueness was two-fold:

He was a non-conventional/think-outside-the-box genius who was able to come up with the idea of an infinite God in a world that was entirely polytheistic.

He was a tremendous intellectual and idealist, willing to put everything on the line for truth.

In short, Abraham’s greatness came from his clarity and his commitment. Judaism teaches that these traits were passed on to his descendants, the Jewish people, and continue to manifest themselves in the collective personality of the Jews.

This explains another fascinating aspect of the Jews. Despite being only 0.2% of the world's population, at all times and in all places, they have always had a disproportionate impact on the world. This anomaly has not gone without notice in the non-Jewish world, as Mark Twain once wrote:

If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one percent of the human race. It suggests a nebulous dim puff of smoke lost in the blaze of the Milky Way. Properly the Jew ought hardly to be heard of; but he is heard of, has always been heard of. He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his commercial importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk… He has made a marvelous fight in this world, in all ages: and has done it with his hands tied behind him.

This Jewish "drive" is a neutral force that constantly pushes the Jewish people throughout history. It explains why Jews have won 23% of all the Nobel Prizes since 1901, but it also explains the disproportionate Jewish involvement in the early history of organized crime and major Wall Street financial scandals. Whatever Jews do, they usually do it BIG.

The 19th century German writer, Goethe, probably said it best:

Energy is the basis of everything. Every Jew, no matter how insignificant, is engaged in some decisive and immediate pursuit of a goal… It is the most perpetual people of the earth.

This drive also explains the anomaly of Jewish political affiliation. From Abraham onward, Jews have constantly been trying to fix the world. Abraham's mission was to do this by reconnecting humanity to God, but in more recent times, when most Jews have been largely disconnected from Judaism, they have tried to do this in many other ways. This explains the hugely disproportionate level of Jewish involvement in so many causes, as well as the strong affinity Jews demonstrate for revolutionary and progressive movements such as communism and socialism.

Any top-down, holistic ideology that tries to right the wrongs of the world will always attract Jews. Edmund Wilson, the famous U. S. literary critic, saw this very clearly when he wrote:

The Jew lends himself easily to Communism because it enables him to devote himself to a high cause, involving all of humanity, characteristics which are natural to him as a Jew.

Pursuit of the “Isms”

This innate drive also explains the continued Jewish affinity for Liberal/Democratic ideology. An ideology that advocates using government as a top-down solution to fix the ills of society, care for the needy and provide basic health and welfare benefits for all citizens, will naturally be very attractive to the Jewish personality.

God’s party affiliation is "independent" and His political platform the Torah.

The real question from the traditional Jewish perspective is what constitutes correct political affiliation? While it is true that the tree of liberal ideology has largely been nurtured in a soil rich with Jewish values, it would be a mistake to believe that Judaism and liberalism are identical. If God could vote, His party affiliation would be "independent" and His political platform would be the Torah.

The concept of ethical monotheism and the values that come from the Torah have been the greatest moral, civilizing force in human history. Directly or indirectly, the idea of one God and one absolute standard of morality have profoundly impacted history and have served as a critical foundation for the creation of the modern, liberal Western world.

Sadly and ironically, the Jewish people, who brought these ideas to the world, are largely disconnected from them today. While 92% of Americans profess belief in God, American Jews statistically are the least religiously affiliated of any group in the United States. It seems that to a large extent the messenger has forgotten the message – and yet that high-powered Jewish soul continues to push the Jewish people into every “ism”… except “Judaism.”

It is my firm belief that in a world changing so rapidly, humanity desperately needs a strong dose of transformative Jewish values. The challenge facing the Jewish people today is to reconnect, to re-Jew-venate themselves – and then to collectively use that incredible Jewish drive to finish the job that Abraham started nearly 4,000 years ago.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Rabbi Ken Spiro, originally from New Rochelle, NY, graduated from Vassar College with a BA in Russian Language and Literature and did graduate studies at the Pushkin Institute in Moscow. He has rabbinic ordination from Aish Jerusalem and a Masters Degree in History from Vermont College of Norwich University. Rabbi Spiro is also a licensed tour guide by the Israel Ministry of Tourism. He has appeared on numerous radio and TV programs such as BBC, National Geographic Channel and The History Channel. He lives near Jerusalem with his wife and five children, where he works as a senior lecturer for Aish Jerusalem.

In one volume, Crash Course in Jewish History explores the 4,000 years of Jewish existence while answering the great questions: Why have the Jewish people been so unique, so impactful, yet so hated and so relentlessly persecuted?

Crash Course in Jewish History is not only comprehensive and readable, it is also entertaining and enlightening. Novices and scholars alike will find Crash Course in Jewish History to be thought-provoking and insightful, as well as a valuable and relevant guide to understanding the challenges we all face in the 21st century.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 28

(16)
yakov,
November 14, 2012 12:25 AM

apologetics

Abraham would not have voted for a progressive.
don't be a coward
tell the plain truth. the Jewish majority vote for Obama is a complete departure from Torah principles

Cincinnati,
November 16, 2012 12:44 AM

Agree. Compromise an Illusion.

The U.S. is doomed unless enough Jews actively play a role to elect another agenda in the mid-terms and next presidential election. Jews are the "Chosen People" and have the ability to lead the world to peace and justice. Unfortunately, they have chosen BHO and elected him for a second term. Without Jewish support at such high levels (as well as campaigning Jewish celebrities) we would have another president now. There is a huge denial (even on this web site) of Obama's intensions for Jews and freedom in general. As Lenin said - we will hang Jews with the rope they sold us. You still don't believe? - What about all Jews walking in to the gas chamber thinking they were getting a "shower"? This is not ancient history. There are living people who remember. As for now, one vote is not enough. Jews who understand the evil in the world must take an active role in educating those around them.

(15)
Anonymous,
November 6, 2012 6:33 AM

Comment regarding the phrase, "Abraham the Jew"

On this article it mentions Abraham as "...the first Jew". In the Torah, there was not a Jew until we start with Abraham's great-grandson, Judah. In biblical times, the Jews were of the southern house of Judah, consisting of two main tribes, Judah and Benjamin. In the Torah, Abraham was called "...the Hebrew" (Gen 14:13) from the Hebrew word, Iver, meaning to cross over where we get our modern word "over" from.

(14)
Ohio, Florida, and VA,
November 5, 2012 12:04 AM

Get out the vote

The 2010 election was about stopping Obama. The 2012 election is about firing Obama. Get out the vote for Romney!

Joe H. Goldstein,
November 5, 2012 9:13 PM

AMEN!

Four more years of this "community organizer" will endanger both the U.S.A. and Israel.

(13)
Melanie Vliet,
November 4, 2012 11:22 PM

How Could You Say That?!

Toward the beginning of your article, you describe Abraham as follows:
He was a non-conventional/think-outside-the-box genius who was able to come up with the idea of an infinite God in a world that was entirely polytheistic.
Do you really believe that Abraham "[came] up with the idea of an infinite God?!" He grasped--or perhaps merely accepted--that idea, but he certainly didn't come up with it! God revealed Himself to Abraham. God filled Abraham in on His nature. You make it sound as if Abraham invented God instead of God's having created Abraham. I do hope that this was a slip of the pen and not an actual misconception on your part. If this is what you believe, you have no business posing as a rabbi. Rather than leading others, you need them to lead you to the truth of Scripture.

Ken Spiro,
November 5, 2012 3:12 PM

I never said Abraham invented the idea of God-God forbid!

When I used the term "came up" obviously I mean that he worked it out in his mind intellectually before God actually" spoke" to him-before he had any actual proof from above. The Creator of the Universe is generally not in the habit of revealing himself to people unless they first do a tremendous amount of work on themselves to reach a level that allows them to have the direct experience of God that we call "Prophecy.". Millions of people throughout history grasp and accept the idea of one God, but few have merited prophecy and only one worked out the concept for himself - that was the greatness of Abraham.

Elisha,
November 5, 2012 3:19 PM

Abraham invented a novel relationship with God

Abraham was in fact an inventor, a trailblazer, a leader. He invented the notion that one can relate to God directly, by speaking with Him, thinking of Him, and walking in His ways. Nothing in this world is really created by man, only executed, implemented, actualized. Abraham in our tradition thought of Monitheism AND really lived what he believed.

(12)
Sam,
November 4, 2012 10:26 PM

Jews Have Replaced Judaism With Statism

Excellent article, Rabbi. However, I think we need to complete the connection of the dots. The more Liberal/Leftist the Jew, the more removed from Judaism he/she will be. The state has replaced G-d for these lost souls, and they begin to worship this golden calf they have created. The fallacies are multitude.
I think at some level, Jews favored Leftist thinking because they thought that they would finally be accepted in the Collective as equals amongst their fellow men. If all differences, all diversities (word very deliberately chosen) are erased, and all become mindless servants of the STATE, then finally the Jew will no longer be persecuted. In other words, we sold our soul for an imaginary bowl of pottage.
The Jewish Leftist sycophants refuse to see that the Left Despises Judaism, G-d, and the Law of the Torah. This is in part because of their unholy alliance with the Muslim world, but more importantly because of who we are. An incredible article on Aish.com about the origins of Anti-Semitism years ago clarifies this. We are hated because we brought the LAW to the world, the concept of right and wrong, and the possibility of choosing between them. Without G-d, without morals, without Torah and the concepts behind it, one can literally do what he pleases, what ever feels good at the time, with no pangs of morality. Witness the fact that abortion has become a top issue among Jewish voters. HOW did this happen? WHY does this issue supersede the safety of Israel and indeed the Jewish people as a whole? We have been misled into a cult of death.
While I am not particularly religious, I pray for our people and Israel. I pray that G-d will save us from ourselves before we are totally lost in the Leftist wilderness, engulfed and ultimately betrayed.

Alexander Payne,
November 5, 2012 10:31 AM

Rabbis should lead jews to understand that conservatism is more in line with what being Jewish is all about. Just remember that we are the only people that have survived for thousands of years with out a country on our own. Now we have Israel and if we cannot be there, our support should be huge

(11)
Anonymous,
November 4, 2012 9:20 PM

Czar?

To suggest even remotely that the Jews felt that there is some sort of equivalence between the Czarist reactionary and brutal government and American conservatism is silly. I hope that IS not what the learned Rabbi is doing, but I fear to some extent it is so.

Anonymous,
November 5, 2012 3:17 PM

Conservatism today

I was not comparing Czarist Russia to America in any way, but you cannot compare the modern Jewish experience and 21st century conservatives with the historical experience of Jewish immigrants (or their prespective )coming to the US 100 years ago-It was a very different reality.

(10)
AlbertE.,
November 4, 2012 9:17 PM

Abe

GOD reached out to Abraham and not the other way around.
Jewish radicals might be Jewish through birth but generally are not even closely religious and generally also hate all religion, even the faith they are born into.

(9)
R. GAMBOA,
November 4, 2012 8:58 PM

SO WELL PUT THAT IT TAKES ME BACK 50 YEARS AND ALLOWS ME TO BETTER UNDER STAND MY JUDEAN , LEVITICAL, BEMJAMITE SELF!!!!!! OUTSTANDING.

(8)
Steven Kalka,
November 4, 2012 8:38 PM

A Balance of both Heart and Mind

While many Democratic oriented programs may be well intentioned, some of them have brought harmful effects. I could accept a basic safety net, but not this steady drumbeat against the wealthy and throwing money at corporate cronies and calling it a stimulus. I could live without certain overly nannyish programs. Why should an affluent woman be entitled to free contraceptives under a mandated health care plan?
I think Jews disproportionally vote as if they are still fighting the czar. As a Jew myself, I hate to say this.

(7)
Anonymous,
November 4, 2012 4:40 PM

Abraham would be a Republican

True prosperity for the most people has only been realized through a free, market driven economy. This is why ALL Americans, even the poorest amongst us, have enjoyed the highest living standard of any nation in the world. The "isims" have wrecked economies and resulted in economic dependence which results in a lowered standard of living.
Abraham was far wiser then his liberal prodigy and would have had the foresight to see this.

(6)
Sirena,
November 4, 2012 4:09 PM

Jews need to wake up

Democrats appear to give handouts to help people but it only keeps people poor, needy and asking for more handouts and keeps the people voting for Democrats promising more handouts. It is a way of controlling the people. Republicans create jobs so the needy can learn to work and take care of themself and their family. The assistance (handouts) then come from religious organizations which also build businesses and hire people.

Rachel,
November 7, 2012 11:23 PM

Jewish Social Justice found in Book of Ruth

In the Book of Ruth, Ruth went to glean from the corners of Boaz's field, and she brought grain back for her mother-in-law, Naomi, who was probably too old to spend a day in the fields. Boaz did not give them the barley with no effort by Ruth, and Ruth did not take unfair advantage of Boaz's generosity. Boaz followed the Torah laws of leaving the dropped sheaves and the corners of his fields for the poor. This teaches us that we have an obligation to take care of the poor, but they need the dignity of work. Handouts are for Bikur Cholim. Today, many people feel entitled to benefits without the effort and dignity of work. I absolutely agree that God would be an Independent and His platform is the Torah!

(5)
CALEB ALCALAY,
November 4, 2012 3:54 PM

GOING BACK TO TORA

TO HELP THIS NATION ALL WE NEED IS PUSH HARD IN
TORA....THAT IS THE ONLY WAY...
BUT FIRST WE NEED TO GO BACK TO TORA "NOW!!!
SHALOM TO ALL .
CALEB

(4)
Alex,
November 4, 2012 1:48 PM

Obama policies hurt Israel

Even if you vote for Democrats in all elections, you need to recognize that Obama policies hurt Israel. Over 4 years he has been presenting to the world that he doesn't support Israel. 4 years ago we had en excuse to elect him because Republicans caused the crisis, it's no longer a good excuse because he didn't resolve the crisis and broke his campaign promises.

Ray,
November 4, 2012 4:20 PM

Very well texted Obama's policies towards Israel is very destructive. As an African American I didn't vote 4 him & I didn't vote 4 him because of his treatment of Israel. Thanks 4 your input.

PHILIPZHAO,
November 5, 2012 1:16 AM

Disunity

The disunity among Jewish people will continue to haunt them for years to come !!

Anonymous,
November 5, 2012 2:22 AM

President Obama does not support Israel

Our president has let Israel down every time, I could not in good conscience vote for him.

(3)
John Smith,
November 4, 2012 12:54 PM

The Democrats peddle an ersatz version of the ideals you describe. They give people just enough to keep them dependent on government and voting Democrat (like the Obamaphone woman).
It is no coincidence that minorities like blacks and Mexicans who loyally vote Democrat never see any improvement in living standards (because that would mean they no longer voted Democrat without question).
The recent natural disaster in New England was met with a response from rich Democrat celebrities, not that they would donate their money but that they would have a fundraising event where the public would give money. This is a regular scam dating back to Band Aid.
The Democrats try to claim a War on Women while honouring Bill Clinton and Ted Kennedy (who left a woman to drown), and reducing women to nothing more than "lady parts" who share the Democrat obsession with aborting babies.
Communism has always been a twisted ideology that advocated mass murder of any opponents of the proletariat (and indeed has the highest body count of any belief system including its relative Nazism).

(2)
G. Berry,
November 4, 2012 12:12 PM

Very interesting perspective, so well articulated! Thank you.

(1)
Tomas,
November 4, 2012 10:34 AM

my comment

Rabbi Spiro has made an excellent observation about the close link between the idea of caring for the distressed and needy and concepts found in the Torah and the whole Jewish tradition.
If I hypothetically were an American citizen (which I am not), casting a vote in the oncoming US presidential election would be an extremely tough ethical choice for me. On the one hand, greater support for Israel in the face of the Iranian threat on the part of Romney would be a significant factor speaking in favor of this candidate. But on the other, I strongly believe in the above mentioned ideas of caring for the needy and providing basic health and welfare benefits for all citizens. I believe that these ideas are in keeping with the Jewish concept of tikkun olam and I feel outrage at the arrogance with which most of Republicans discard these ideas. When elections in my country take place, I admit I pray for their outcome, but I don't pray for the result of the Obama-Romney duel because I feel ethically lost.

the shupester,
November 4, 2012 7:35 PM

another question is how we participate in tikkun olam

What I find disturbing about the notion that the Jewish soul can bring about the repair of the world by electing the government officials that say they will fix the world, is that they have abdicated the individual's participation in thoughtful tzedakah.
Tzedakah is an obligation before G-d – not before a very secular government that doesn't share the ideals of the Torah. I think that we as individuals should be involved in giving – it should be the sacrifice and charity of a grateful soul to a legitimate need. When the government makes empty promises, rewards the needy for remaining needy (or becoming needier!), replaces responsibility with notions of entitlement AND takes my money (sometimes taxes upon taxes) I am not really soulfully involved.
I have no choice in the taxes I pay to the government or what is (or is not done) with my money. What the government does with taxes is not a substitute either for the means or desired effect of individual or collective Jewish responsibility for tikkun olam.
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tikkun_olam
The phrase tikkun olam is included in the Aleinu, a Jewish prayer that is traditionally recited three times daily. The Aleinu, said to have been written by the Biblical Joshua, praises God for allowing the Jewish people to serve God, and expresses hope that the whole world one day will recognize God and abandon idolatry. The phrase tikkun olam is used in the longer expression l'takken olam b'malkhut Shaddai, "to perfect the world under God's sovereignty." In other words, when all people of the world abandon false gods and recognize God, the world will have been perfected.
I believe that ultimately, the individual who gives of their own means, voluntarily, and cheerfully is the one who is fulfilling this mitzvah. Government programs that are funded by taxes imposed on people should not be confused with Jewish charity or tikkun olam.

the shupester,
November 4, 2012 8:53 PM

disclaimer

wow, this comment engine messed up my paragraphs!
Note: I am not opposed to government-based 'charity' entirely. I am suggesting that spiritually, true charity begins at home, in the individual's heart, and that is what G-d recognizes and prefers. That becomes a true Jewish Idealism.

Since honey is produced by bees, and bees are not a kosher species, how can honey be kosher?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Talmud (Bechoros 7b) asks your very question! The Talmud bases this question on the principle that “whatever comes from a non-kosher species is non-kosher, and that which comes from something kosher is kosher.”

So why is bee-honey kosher? Because even though bees bring the nectar into their bodies, the resultant honey is not a 'product' of their bodies. It is stored and broken down in their bodies, but not produced there. (see Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 81:8)

By the way, the Torah (in several places such as Exodus 13:5) praises the Land of Israel as "flowing with milk and honey." But it may surprise you to know that the honey mentioned in the verse is actually referring to date and fig honey (see Rashi there)!

In 1809, a group of 70 disciples of the great Lithuanian sage the Vilna Gaon, arrived in Israel, after traveling via Turkey by horse and wagon. The Vilna Gaon set out for the Holy Land in 1783, but for unknown reasons did not attain his goal. However he inspired his disciples to make the move, and they became pioneers of modern settlement in Israel. (A large contingent of chassidic Jews arrived in Tzfat around the same time.) The leader of the 1809 group, Rabbi Israel of Shklov, settled in Tzfat, and six years later moved to Jerusalem where he founded the modern Ashkenazic community. The early years were fraught with Arab attacks, earthquakes, and a cholera epidemic. Rabbi Israel authored, Pe'at Hashulchan, a digest of the Jewish agricultural laws relating to the Land of Israel. (He had to rewrite the book after the first manuscript was destroyed in a fire.) The location of his grave remained unknown until it was discovered in Tiberias, 125 years after his death. Today, the descendants of that original group are amongst the most prominent families in Jerusalem.

When you experience joy, you feel good because your magnificent brain produces hormones called endorphins. These self-produced chemicals give you happy and joyful feelings.

Research on these biochemicals has proven that the brain-produced hormones enter your blood stream even if you just act joyful, not only when you really are happy. Although the joyful experience is totally imaginary and you know that it didn’t actually happen, when you speak and act as if that imaginary experience did happen, you get a dose of endorphins.

These chemicals are naturally produced by your brain. They are totally free and entirely healthy.

Many people find that this knowledge inspires them to create more joyful moments. It’s not just an abstract idea, but a physical reality.

Occasionally, when I walk into an office, the receptionist greets me rudely. Granted, I came to see someone else, and a receptionist's disposition is immaterial to me. Yet, an unpleasant reception may cast a pall.

A smile costs nothing. Greeting someone with a smile even when one does not feel like smiling is not duplicity. It is simply providing a pleasant atmosphere, such as we might do with flowers or attractive pictures.

As a rule, "How are you?" is not a question to which we expect an answer. However, when someone with whom I have some kind of relationship poses this question, I may respond, "Not all that great. Would you like to listen?" We may then spend a few minutes, in which I unburden myself and invariably begin to feel better. This favor is usually reciprocated, and we are both thus beneficiaries of free psychotherapy.

This, too, complies with the Talmudic requirement to greet a person in a pleasant manner. An exchange of feelings that can alleviate someone's emotional stress is even more pleasant than an exchange of smiles.

It takes so little effort to be a real mentsch.

Today I shall...

try to greet everyone in a pleasant manner, and where appropriate offer a listening ear.

With stories and insights,
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